The relationship between card issuers, affiliate marketing companies, and publishers (that’s me) is a delicate dance. The card issuers want us to promote their products, yet at times they hold back the best offers for their own online networks where they don’t pay a referral. The affiliate marketing companies are stuck in the middle. They want the offers on their networks and then push them on their publishers regardless of whether or not they are good or not so good for the consumer. They get paid when we sell product for them. And we, as publishers, have the responsibility to present the best offers to you the readers, regardless of whether or not we get a referral. At least that’s the relationship I want to have with my readers.
It causes some problems when we know a big offer is coming but can’t say too much about it. If we say exactly what is happening, the card issuers are po’ed because people will wait to apply until the special offer comes out.
That is why I “hint.” I try to clear it with the affiliate marketing company what I want to “hint” about in hopes that it may modify your behavior regarding a current offer without pi$$ing off the card issuers. They are looking for new card customers every single day, not just during special promotions. The nice thing about working with Chase Bank is that they try to honor the bigger bonus if you applied within the last 90 days. That, to me, is good customer service. I don’t know what will happen now with American Express after their last go-around with bump the bonus issues.
As publishers, we will make mistakes. I promise you I will. I want you to have the best offers, and when I know they are coming, I want to alter your personal plans if necessary. And yet, I need to be cognizant of the requests and rules of the card issuers.
The card issuers could make everyone’s life easier if everyone got the best offer all the time. Cut out the targeted offers. Cut out the offers only on your website and not on your publishers’. Remember: We are working for you (the card issuers) as well as the applicants.
Not that I think it matters, but I hope Chase, Citi, Bank of America, Barclays, and American Express are listening.
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